Ex-First Lady's Former Household Staff Member Arrested Upon Arrival from Vietnam During Ongoing Investigation into Corruption Allegations
Kim Ye-seong, a close associate of the former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee and often referred to as the family's "butler," was detained upon arrival from Vietnam on Tuesday. The detainment is expected to accelerate the ongoing probe into Kim Keon Hee over multiple corruption charges.
Kim Ye-seong faces corruption charges related to embezzlement and illegal investments. He is accused of embezzling 3.38 billion won (about $2.4 million) from IMS Mobility, a company in which he has a stake. IMS Mobility reportedly received unfair investments from several companies, including Kakao Mobility, in 2023 while it was effectively in a state of capital impairment. Special prosecutors suspect these investments were influenced by Kim Ye-seong’s connection to Kim Keon Hee.
Kim has been closely associated with the former first lady for over a decade. At the time of the investments, IMS Mobility was in a precarious financial state. The companies involved in the illegal investments include IMS Mobility and Kakao Mobility, among others, suspected of making questionable investments into IMS Mobility under undue influence.
Kim Ye-seong left South Korea for Vietnam in April, an event investigators believe was an attempt to flee following the ouster of then President Yoon Suk Yeol. However, he returned to face the allegations against him. Upon his arrival, he was taken for questioning to special counsel Min Joong-ki's office in Seoul.
Kim has expressed his intention to fully cooperate with the special counsel and undergo the investigation faithfully. He also stated that he was not involved in any illegal or improper activities.
Both Kim Ye-seong and Kim Keon Hee are under investigation by the special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki for corruption allegations involving stock manipulation, illegal influence in political candidate nominations, and acceptance of luxury gifts in exchange for business favors. The investigations are part of a broader probe into corruption surrounding Kim Keon Hee.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency
- The Korea Herald
- Chosun Ilbo
- The Straits Times
- CNN
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